Systems, Devices, and/or Methods for Managing Exercises

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a treadmill. The treadmill comprises a track and a weight stack. The weight stack is coupled to a harness coupleable to a user, the harness constructed to simulate pulling a weighted sled when coupled to the user as the user utilizes the treadmill. The weight stack is coupled to a handle graspable by the user, the harness constructed to simulate pushing a weighted sled when the user grasps the handle as the user utilizes the treadmill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are executed in color. A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will be more readily understood through the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 2000;

FIG. 3 is a table of exemplary dimensions 3000;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a brake 4000;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 5000;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 6000;

FIG. 7 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 7000;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 8000;

FIG. 9 is plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 9000;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 10000;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 11000;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 12000;

and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 13000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a treadmill. The treadmill comprises a track and a weight stack. The weight stack is coupled to a harness coupleable to a user, the harness constructed to simulate pulling a weighted sled when coupled to the user as the user utilizes the treadmill. The weight stack is coupled to a handle graspable by the user, the harness constructed to simulate pushing a weighted sled when the user grasps the handle as the user utilizes the treadmill.

As sports science technology increases, weighted sled training has been proven to be beneficial. A weighted sled is used by a countless number of users at all levels and by many recreational users with the purpose of improving overall physical conditioning. There are two general styles of sled training. Users can either push or pull a weighted sled when working out. Some reasons why sled training is important for users are to improve acceleration, increase strength, enhance conditioning levels, recover from injuries, and/or prevent injuries, etc. In FIG. 1, there is a sled that can be either pushed or pulled. In FIG. 2, there is a sled that is used mainly for the pulling side of things.

These benefits are important to users and for everyday users for multiple reasons. To improve acceleration, the user can perform weighted sprints to help them have a faster start. To increase strength, the user uses muscles and joints from the entire body that are under stress due to the weight. When the muscle is broken down, it will rebuild itself in a stronger manner. To enhance conditioning, training muscle endurance over time allows a user to perform longer. Along with these benefits, the weighted sled can also help in injury prevention and/or recovering from an injury. This can be important because in most weight lifting there is an eccentric portion of the movement. This is the negative motion of the weight that must be done in order to perform the positive movement. For example, when bench pressing, the eccentric portion is lowering the weight to one's chest before pushing it up. This can cause injuries as well as cause stress on used body parts. In sled training, there is no eccentric portion of the workout. The user is either pushing or pulling the sled, but the user does not have to do one in order to get to the other. This is important because it allows for a decrease in injuries and helps one recovery from pre-existing ones.

A weighted sled can be beneficial to a user if used properly. Persons that want to get their body in better shape or improve their athleticism can utilize a weighted sled. The positives from using a weighted sled improve conditioning of a plurality of body parts. Besides recreational users, the weighted sled can be utilized by users for conditioning. Because weighted sleds help with speed, strength, and power, sled training can be used in such sports as football, soccer, hockey, track and field, bodybuilding, and many others. Because sled training affects a plurality of body parts, users can get positive results when using a weighted sled properly. Because of this, weighted sleds can be beneficial to many sports and activities.

Although weighted sled training can be beneficial for users, it also comes with potential challenges. In order to use sleds, a strip of field, turf, or other proper surface, often 10 to 50 meters long, can be utilized to have enough room to push or pull the sled. This creates a big problem for many gym owners and trainers because having such a strip of space can be difficult. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide for more convenient sled training for users.

In order to utilize less space, certain exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a treadmill and a weighted sled. Such embodiments allow for a user to perform weighted sled type workouts without utilizing a strip of a field. This would save a lot of space and money because the device will be under approximately nine feet long. When designing a gym, only need a space of approximately 10 feet by approximately 5 feet in area is a lot easier to find than a 50 feet by 10 feet strip. The treadmill will replicate the sled training while taking up minimal space. Because space is no longer the issue, this could be put in almost any gym.

Part of the treadmill system, which can be motorized or not motorized, replicates the pulling of a sled and a part replicates the pushing of a sled. Certain exemplary embodiments make sled training more convenient. Combining a weighted sled and a treadmill will reduce the space needed and allow for more gyms to have access to sled training. The design has separate exercises combined into one machine. The back is constructed for pulling a sled and the front is constructed for pushing. Due to space and cost, certain exemplary embodiments utilize only one weight stack. Overall dimensions of embodiments can be important. Certain exemplary embodiments have approximate dimensions as illustrated in FIG. 3. Such dimensions as illustrated in FIG. 3 are based on average heights of adults as well as convenience and for overall productivity of the design. There is a six-inch difference for all three dimensions between the maximum and minimum for the exemplary embodiments.

Certain exemplary embodiments consider user safety. In certain exemplary embodiments, weights are placed in a rear portion of the system. However, such embodiments might have issues if a user happened to fall off the rear portion of the system. Because of this, other embodiments comprise weights placed in the front portion of the system. Certain exemplary embodiments provide guiderails on either side that can be easily grabbed as desired by a user. Certain exemplary embodiments provide brake activators that are in accessible locations in order to stop the treadmill when desired by the user.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a track of the treadmill can have an adjustable resistance. Such embodiments replicate sprinting on a field. Because the resistance can be changed, the can do anything from a fast sprint to a slow walk.

In certain exemplary embodiments, an option between pushing and pulling. Such embodiments provide a harness that can be attached from the rear, which causes replication of a pulling of a sled. The harness can be coupled, via cables and pulleys, to a weight stack. On the other side, there can be handlebars, which cause replication of pushing of a sled. When pushed, the weight stack is raised slightly, which impels a user to run faster and harder. Along with this, the user has the option to not utilize the weight stack and run freely on the treadmill. This will still replicates some aspects of sled training due to resistance of the treadmill track, but it will not have the added stress of the weights.

In sled development, a first prototype was designed without a motor. This is because the product was designed to produce resistance as users sprint. The machine that had weights installed in the front and used cables and pulleys to lift the weight.

Certain exemplary embodiments provide two methods of changing resistance. The first is the weight stack located in the front. In order for the user to maximize their workout, they will be raising a set weight. This causes the user to work harder than if they were just on a treadmill. Along with this, the treadmill belt can also have an adjustable resistance. For the prototype, there was a “car-like” braking system that could be altered in order to set the preferred resistance as illustrated in FIG. 7. Brake pads in such embodiments will wear and periodic replacement can occur.

Because certain exemplary embodiment provide for alternatives of pushing and pulling, the system comprising a weight stack can be used for both types of exercise. This makes it convenient for a user to transition between pushing and pulling. Certain exemplary embodiments provide a lever on a side guard rail that allows for the user to change the resistance while the system is being utilized. Adjusting the weights is straightforward by moving of a peg to a desired weight.

Simulations of both pushing and pulling of a sled are possible while using the system. These two exercises are performed utilizing the same weight stack. This means that pushing and pulling at the same time can utilize the same amount of weight.

Certain exemplary embodiments provide a braking system similar to that utilized with stationary bicycles. For example, certain exemplary embodiments utilize a fan to produce resistance and cause the user to work harder. Such fans can be noisy and take up significant space. Other embodiments utilize a flywheel and magnetic resistance to cause resistance to be higher.

Other embodiments utilize a magnetic system inside the rollers of the treadmill to provide an adjustable resistance. Such embodiments adjust a distance between the magnets and the wheel. The closer magnets get to the wheel, the harder it is for the wheel to rotate. In return, the user is compelled to work even harder. Conveniently, the can be able to change a level of resistance while they are using the machine.

Another common issue for most machines in a gym is the crashing of the weights if the user does not gently return the weights to a stack. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a hydraulic cylinder between the weight stack and the pulley. Such embodiments allow for easy return of the weights for the cases of a user stumbling or running out of energy.

Certain exemplary embodiments can incline a running surface to approximately 15 degrees to increase running difficulty. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide front legs that have a pin system to allow users to easily move the treadmill up or down to get a desired incline.

Certain exemplary embodiments provide brakes located on handles, higher handles for the pushing side, a harness hook, and/or a pulley stop on the pulling side, etc. Brake handles can be located on the front of the pushing side handles. Certain exemplary embodiments provide an emergency stop for when the user needs to slow down quickly. Certain exemplary embodiments provide handles of varying height relative to a system base. Certain exemplary embodiments provide a harness hook, which can be a small hook on the side of one of rear legs in order to hang the harness when not being used. Certain exemplary embodiments provide a pulley stop, which can be a metal piece added to the rear pulleys, so the cable does get pulled through the wrong way.

Certain exemplary embodiments provide a pair of adjustable front, pushing, handle bars. Such embodiments will allow the trainer to easily change the length and location of the bars with the use a wrench. Such adjustable bars are provided with adequate strength for rigorous use.

Certain exemplary embodiments provide for positive or negative adjustments to overall system dimensions. Certain exemplary embodiments can weigh between approximately 350-400 pounds. The total weight can be increased depending on the total weight of the stack, such as from approximately 150-250 pounds.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 2000.

FIG. 3 is a table of exemplary dimensions 3000.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a brake 4000.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 5000.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 6000.

FIG. 7 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 7000.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 8000.

FIG. 9 is plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 9000.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 10000.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 11000.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 12000.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 13000.

Certain exemplary embodiments provide a treadmill (see, e.g., treadmill 6100 of FIG. 6), the treadmill comprising a track (see, e.g., track 6200 of FIG. 6), the treadmill comprising a weight stack (see, e.g., weight stack 6300 of FIG. 6), the weight stack coupled to:

-   -   a harness (see, e.g., harness 13100 of FIG. 13) coupleable to a         user, the harness constructed to simulate pulling a weighted         sled when coupled to the user as the user utilizes the         treadmill; and     -   a handle (see, e.g., harness 13200 of FIG. 13) graspable by the         user, the harness constructed to simulate pushing a weighted         sled when the user grasps the handle as the user utilizes the         treadmill.

The treadmill can comprise a brake activator (see, e.g., brake activator 13300 of FIG. 13) that is constructed to, responsive to a user action with the brake activator, stop motion of the track and/or cushion lowering of weights via a brake (see, e.g., the magnetic brake of FIG. 5) coupled to the brake activator. The brake can utilize magnetic resistance.

The weight stack is adjustable via a pin (see, e.g., pin 12200 of FIG. 12). The weight stack is coupled to the harness (see, e.g., harness 13100 of FIG. 13) via a first system of pulleys (see, e.g., first system of pulleys 13400 of FIG. 13). The weight stack is coupled to the handle via a second system of pulleys (see, e.g., second system of pulleys 13500 of FIG. 13). The treadmill comprises guiderails (see, e.g., guiderails 13600 of FIG. 13) graspable by the user. The track of the treadmill comprises an adjustable incline (see, e.g., adjustable incline 13700 of FIG. 13). The track of the treadmill comprises an adjustable incline via pinned legs (see, e.g., pinned legs 12100 of FIG. 12). The track of the treadmill can comprise an adjustable resistance (see, e.g., adjustable resistance 12300 of FIG. 12). The weight stack can be lowered via a hydraulic cylinder (see, e.g., hydraulic cylinder 6400 of FIG. 6). The treadmill can comprise a first hook (see, e.g., first hook 13800 of FIG. 13) constructed to retain the harness when the harness is not in use. The treadmill can comprise a second hook (see, e.g., second hook 13900 of FIG. 13) constructed to retain a workout plan.

The device provides resistance when it is pushed and the harness provides pulling resistance when worn by the user while running.

Definitions

When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefine these terms during the prosecution of this application or any application claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, each definition (or redefined term if an original definition was amended during the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

-   -   a—at least one.     -   activator—a device that makes something function.     -   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion thereof     -   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between         different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.     -   adjust—to change to a sought state.     -   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.     -   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose     -   associate—to join, connect together, and/or relate.     -   brake—a device that slows or stops weights from dropping when a         user ceases utilizing a treadmill.     -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.     -   cause—to produce an effect.     -   comprising—including but not limited to.     -   configure—to make suitable or fit for a specific use or         situation.     -   connect—to join or fasten together.     -   constructed to—made to and/or designed to.     -   convert—to transform, adapt, and/or change.     -   couple—to join, connect, and/or link together.     -   create—to bring into being.     -   define—to establish the outline, form, or structure of     -   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.     -   generate—to create, produce, give rise to, and/or bring into         existence.     -   graspable—capable of being held by a hand of a user.     -   guiderail—a bar on a machine graspable by a user for stability.     -   handle—a part of a thing sized and/or shaped specifically to be         grasped or held by a hand of a user, which a user pushes to lift         weights.     -   harness—one or more straps coupleable to a user, which are         coupled to weights and cause resistance for exercising.     -   hook—a peg or protrusion from which something can be hung.     -   hydraulic cylinder—a mechanical device that is used to move or         resist via a unidirectional force through a unidirectional         stroke, which stroke is impelled or resisted by liquid pressure.     -   incline—slope.     -   initialize—to prepare something for use and/or some future         event.     -   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.     -   leg—a supporting rod.     -   lower—to reduce an elevation of something relative to the earth.     -   magnetic resistance—a retarding force caused by a magnetic         field.     -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some         embodiments.     -   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related         activities for accomplishing something.     -   motion—a process via which something changes position.     -   motorized—driven by an electrical engine.     -   pin—a slender piece of solid material.     -   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.     -   pull—to exert force upon so as to tug at something.     -   pulley—a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support         movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt.     -   push—to exert force upon so as to press something forward.     -   predetermined—established in advance.     -   provide—to furnish, supply, give, and/or make available.     -   receive—to get as a signal, take, acquire, and/or obtain.     -   recommend—to suggest, praise, commend, and/or endorse.     -   repeatedly—again and again; repetitively.     -   request—to express a desire for and/or ask for.     -   resistance—an opposing force.     -   retain—hold in a manner that resists motion.     -   select—to make a choice or selection from alternatives.     -   set—a related plurality.     -   simulate—to reproduce a result of something.     -   stop—cease.     -   store—to place, hold, and/or retain.     -   substantially—to a great extent or degree.     -   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.     -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles         of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the         collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.     -   track—a deck comprising a movable surface upon which a user         runs.     -   transmit—to send, provide, furnish, and/or supply.     -   treadmill—a device generally for walking or running or climbing         while staying in the same place.     -   user—an individual capable of utilizing a system.     -   utilize—to put to use.     -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.     -   weight—a body's relative mass or the quantity of matter         contained by it, giving rise to a downward force; the heaviness         of a thing.     -   weight stack—a specialized set of rectangular plates mounted on         rails and coupled to a machine via a cable and pulley         arrangement such that a load is transmitted to a user of the         machine.

Note

Still other substantially and specifically practical and useful embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detailed description and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the scope of this application.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

-   -   there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular         described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or         element, any particular sequence of activities, or any         particular interrelationship of elements;     -   no characteristic, function, activity, or element is         “essential”;     -   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;     -   any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by         multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in         multiple jurisdictions; and     -   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the         sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of         elements can vary.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope. No claim of this application is intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC 112 unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund.

Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a treadmill, the treadmill comprising a track, the treadmill comprising a weight stack, the weight stack coupled to: a harness coupleable to a user, the harness constructed to simulate pulling a weighted sled when coupled to the user as the user utilizes the treadmill; and a handle graspable by the user, the harness constructed to simulate pushing a weighted sled when the user grasps the handle as the user utilizes the treadmill.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the treadmill comprises a brake activator that is constructed to, responsive to a user action with the brake activator, stop motion of the track via a brake coupled to the brake activator.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the treadmill comprises a brake activator that is constructed to, responsive to a user action with the brake activator, stop motion of the track via a brake coupled to the brake activator, wherein the brake utilizes magnetic resistance.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the weight stack is adjustable via a pin.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the weight stack is coupled to the harness via a system of pulleys.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein: the weight stack is coupled to the handle via a system of pulleys.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the treadmill comprises guiderails graspable by the user.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein: the track of the treadmill comprises an adjustable incline.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the track of the treadmill comprises an adjustable incline via pinned legs.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the track of the treadmill comprises an adjustable resistance.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein: the weight stack is lowered via a hydraulic cylinder.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein: the treadmill comprises a hook constructed to retain the harness when the harness is not in use. 